The Possible Consequences of Drinking Alcohol During Pregnancy: A Personal Story

Elise’s world was turned upside down when she found out she was pregnant. It was not a planned pregnancy, but nevertheless she was filled with a mix of emotions. However, there was one thought that hung over her like a dark cloud: Elise realized that during the first twelve weeks of her pregnancy she had been unaware of her condition and that she had been drinking alcohol regularly during that time.

Positive pregnancy test

There I was, staring at the positive pregnancy test in my hand. My heart almost pounded out of my chest. I just couldn’t believe it. I was pregnant. A flurry of emotions washed over me. Joy, fear, and confusion battled for precedence in my mind. How could I not have known this before? How could I have been so blind to the signs?

It feels like an eternity since that night. I remember the conviviality and especially the glasses that were filled incessantly. It was a party to celebrate something, a party where the alcohol flowed freely. I had no idea I carried a small, innocent life inside me.

When I found out I was pregnant, I was already twelve weeks along. My brain was flooded with a wave of guilt. How could I do this to my unborn child? The thought that my ignorance could have such a big impact was unbearable. I felt like a bad mother before my child was even born.

I went looking for answers, for reassurance. My doctor tried to calm me down and assured me that many women accidentally drink alcohol before discovering they are pregnant. But my worries were not so easy to allay. I felt responsible, I felt guilty. And I was especially thinking about the associated risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy. I had to face the possible consequences*.

Drinking alcohol and lots of it

I began to analyze every little detail of the past few months. Every time I had a glass of wine, every time I went out with friends and downed another glass or two of wine. Every time I wasn’t aware of the life growing inside me. It was a painful self-torment that paralyzed me. I had drunk alcohol and quite a lot!

But then, among the clouds of guilt and doubt, a glimmer of hope emerged. I read about women who had gone through similar situations and delivered healthy babies. I read about the power of nature and an unborn child’s ability to protect itself.

Strong and resilient

I decided to turn my guilt into positive action. I drastically changed my lifestyle. Of course I immediately stopped drinking alcohol and started eating healthier and taking prenatal vitamins.

The weeks crawled by, and with every ultrasound I saw, my hope grew. The heart beat strongly and regularly. My child was strong, resilient. I began to believe that despite my early ignorance, I would make a good mother.

On the day of delivery, as I held my beautiful baby in my arms, a weight was lifted from me. I saw a healthy cloud of a baby and I knew it would be all right.

My pregnancy taught me that life can take unexpected turns. That we sometimes face situations where we need to forgive ourselves and look ahead.

Featured image: Shutterstock

Possible consequences of drinking alcohol during pregnancy

*NB! Drinking alcohol during pregnancy poses several risks to the baby’s development. Some of the main risks are:

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS): This is the most serious end result of prenatal alcohol exposure. FAS can lead to physical and cognitive impairments, stunted growth, facial abnormalities, and nervous system problems. Children with FAS often require lifelong intensive care and support.

Alcohol-related neurological disorders: Even at lower levels of alcohol consumption, neurological disorders such as impaired learning, attention problems, memory problems and behavioral problems can occur.

Growth and Development Disorders: Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to stunted growth of the baby, both in the womb and after birth. Problems can also arise in the development of organs and systems, which can cause health problems for the baby.

Increased risk of miscarriages and premature birth: Drinking alcohol during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriages and premature birth. These complications can lead to serious health problems for the baby.

Behavioral and emotional problems: Children exposed to alcohol prenatally may experience behavioral and emotional problems later in life, such as hyperactivity, impulsiveness, attention problems, and problems with social interaction.